By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerians on social media are embroiled in a heated debate concerning Kemi Badenoch, the head of Britain’s Conservative Party, following remarks made by Vice President Kashim Shettima condemning her comments about Nigeria. Badenoch, a Conservative MP since 2017, was born in London to Nigerian parents but spent a significant part of her childhood in Lagos.
Badenoch ascended to the leadership of the British Conservative Party in November after campaigning on a right-wing platform that included a strong “anti-wokeism” message, often resulting in divisive statements. She has been vocal in her criticism of Nigeria, highlighting issues such as rampant corruption and a volatile security environment. Her controversial stance on immigration includes the assertion that “not all cultures are equally valid” in discussions about residency in the UK.
In a statement made Monday at a migration summit in Abuja, Vice President Shettima expressed support for Nigeria despite Badenoch’s criticisms. “We are proud of her in spite of her denigrating her nation of origin,” Shettima commented. “She’s entitled to her own opinions… But that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”
Shettima’s comments have ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing both support for and against his position. X user Ifeanyi Onuoha criticized Shettima: “Kashim Shettima, instead of dragging Kemi Badenoch, fix Nigeria! While you and your boss jet-set achieving nothing, Nigerian citizens struggle daily. Kemi’s leadership outshines your entire regime; she’s a leader; you’re just a tourist.”
Another user, Nnaemeka Edeh, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Stop hounding Kemi Badenoch. Nigeria became the greatest black corrupt nation on earth not any fault of Kemi.”
Conversely, some praised Shettima’s remarks. User IbibioPrince expressed support, saying, “This is my Vice President!!! The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria! I and my descendants will always be proud to be Nigerians no matter where we go!”
Badenoch has previously reflected on her experiences growing up in Nigeria, stating, “I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.”
However, her critical stance toward Nigeria has also drawn fierce backlash, with one commenter, Omo Oduduwa, urging her to stop “denigrating Nigeria all the time just to please her slave masters.”
In light of the ongoing controversy, a spokesperson for Badenoch addressed the matter, asserting, “Kemi is not trying to promote Nigeria; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK.
